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Ivan Lapshin tells why he learns Kyrgyz and what disappointed him in Bishkek

Tens of thousands of citizens left Russia after the outbreak of hostilities in Ukraine. One of the destinations which the Russians chose was Kyrgyzstan. They settle down here, immerse themselves in the local culture, adapt and learn the Kyrgyz language.

24.kg news agency journalist met with Ivan Lapshin and asked him why he learns the Kyrgyz language and what difficulties he faces.

— Why did you choose Kyrgyzstan?

— I know the country, the region too. I wanted to arrive earlier, but the coronavirus pandemic began and the borders were closed. I wanted to see Issyk-Kul lake. I knew that the country is more democratic than the neighboring countries.

— What were your first impressions of the country?

— I came to Bishkek at the end of March with my wife and three cats. There were a few green spaces. Everything started blooming in two weeks. It seems to me now that this is the greenest city in which I have ever lived.

— Why did you decide to learn the Kyrgyz language?

— We began to travel not only to nearby areas, like Ala-Archa and Alamedin gorges, but also to the regions. We visited Jalal-Abad. There is a completely different nature, different people. Then I decided to learn Kyrgyz, at least at the minimum level, because in the regions people speak Kyrgyz more than Russian.

— What do you think about our people?

— I like them very much. They are open. I have made many friends. Before leaving Russia, I did not think that I was such a sociable person. In St. Petersburg, where I came from, it was difficult to get acquainted with someone. Here people want to talk to you simply because you are interesting.

I like national cuisine. It is pretty authentic. Boorsoks is my love. Chalap, zharma — I love it. How could I live without them?

Ivan Lapshin

— What disappointed you?

— It is bureaucracy. The service also raises questions. To order something, you need to call a company. There are no apps.

I’m afraid to talk to people on the phone. It seems to be an indispensable prerequisite here. I’m afraid of travelling in minibuses. It seems to me that this is an unsafe kind of transport. I travel by trolleybuses or on foot.

There are broken sidewalks. Some repairs have been started but not completed, on Kievskaya Street, for example. When we arrived, there was asphalt. Then it was gone. There is not any for now.

The infrastructure does not take into account the interests of cyclists. I think this is an oversight of the local authorities, because Bishkek is an ideal city for bicycle rental. It is green, with straight streets. The bicycle lanes are painted on the sidewalks and start out of nowhere and end up nowhere. But in general, the capital is quite comfortable. I like it.

Good example for locals

Gulmira Dyusheeva, the founder and head of Til Club language courses, also told that the Kyrgyz language is of interest among the Russians.

According to her, they are eager to learn the local language in order to establish business in Kyrgyzstan and to make it easier for them to communicate.

By learning Kyrgyz right after arrival in the foreign country, they set a good example for Bishkek residents.

Gulmira Dyusheeva

«It is easy to work with motivated Russians. When a person is motivated, interested, there is a desire to learn a new language, he or she easily gets success. Before arrival, they learned about the country, decided to come and learn the local language. It’s great,» she added.

The language center teaches according to European standards. There are three main levels: Beginner (A1-A2), Intermediate (B1-B2), Advanced (C1-C2).

«Foreigners basically go through three levels, up to B1. As a result, they learn to keep up a conversation on everyday topics,» Gulmira Dyusheeva told.

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